Indian Mints by the market for Rupees afforded by the 150 millions ruled directly or indirectly by the Indian Government. To make the Hong Kong and Indian Mints cases parallel it would be necessary for the Governor of Hong Kong as Compuror of China.

15. Supposing however such negotiations succesful, and that China consented not to melt British dollars and even to make coins, not "shoes" and bars, the legal currency of the Empire, what probability is there that those Coins would be minted for China at Hong Kong instead of at Calcutta or some other Chinese city? Moreover, if such negotiations be commenced, who can foresee their termination and who can look forward to any practical issue sufficiently early to guide the action of this Government, till attainment of a victory over the ancient habits and prejudices of the most prejudiced nation in the world?

Is it reasonable because we have built a Mint to insist that our neighbors, who have no interest in the speculation, shall foster and protect its produce? How much better if the negotiations had preceded the

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kide Germer to Sec. of State. No 103 of 29th Augt. 1886 - Para: 5

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